WRAP, the UK environmental charity, is urging the government to adopt extended producer responsibility (EPR) for the country’s fashion and textiles sector.

A series of reports have been published outlining policy options and cost-benefit analyses for such a scheme, and delivered evidence that it believes will enable informed decision-making regarding the development of a sustainable, circular sector. The reports recommend eco-design criteria, restrictions on landfill and incineration, grants and loans to enhance recycling capacity, and an increase in bring banks and kerbside collections.

The Textile Policy Options report sets out “extensive” options for cutting waste and the carbon impact of a sector that accounts for between 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The report predicts that the volume of new products consumed in the UK could grow to 2.37 million tonnes by 2030, up from 1.66 million tonnes in 2018. It recommends a combination of grants, EPR, and separate collections supported by eco-design and eco-labelling.

The accompanying Cost Benefit Analysis report evaluates the environmental, social, and financial impacts of the suggested policy options. The report suggests that an EPR will play a vital role in shifting to a circular economy and that a simple fee modulation will be required to disincentivise the production of problematic textiles.

WRAP is recommending that the government introduce an EPR for the UK’s fashion and textiles industry, with supporting measures that include setting standards for eco-design to ensure that products last longer and are made to be recycled.